The Golden Age of Chicago Children's Television

Book Description
"Today, we can be nostalgic about the passing of great local children’s fare such as Bozo’s Circus . . . and Garfield Goose. However, I believe that today’s children have more and better choices in programming . . . . What is missing is the localism, the heart and soul that emanated from these and other programs. Economics, regulation, and expectations for what a program should look like have altered children’s television forever. As you read this book, perhaps you will not only find memories or curiosities from a bygone era, but inspiration to create children’s television for today’s audiences. A pie in the face is still funny, kids still like to dance, and the last time I looked, you could still buy six buckets and nail them to a board and call it a Grand Prize Game." —from the foreword by Neal Sabin, WCIU-TV, Chicago Behind-the-Scenes Stories of the Golden Age of Chicago Children’s Television as Told by the People Who Lived It At one time every station in Chicago—a maximum of five, until 1964—produced or aired some programming for children. From the late 1940s through the early 1970s, local television stations created a golden age of children’s television unique in American broadcasting. Though the shows often operated under strict budgetary constraints, these programs were rich in imagination, inventiveness, and devoted fans. The mere mention of their names brings smiles to the faces of Midwestern Baby Boomers everywhere: Kukla, Fran, & Ollie, Super Circus, Garfield Goose, Bozo’s Circus, Mulqueens' Kiddie-A-Go-Go, BJ & Dirty Dragon, Ray Rayner and Friends, and a host of others. In 1972 the FCC changed the regulations governing the relationship between sponsors and local programming, effectively bringing to a close this chapter of television history. What Chicago kids' show had American Bandstand host Dick Clark dancing on T.V. for the first time ever? Why did one have to wait months and, more often, years to get tickets for Bozo’s Circus? Which very popular and successful host never wanted to do a children’s T.V. show? Who really made the puppet Garfield Goose (you may not have known it was a mystery)? Remember the "talent" that bit the head off a parakeet on live TV and the shocked emcee’s reaction? What sent television executives into a quandary when Kiddie-A-Go-Go went on the air? Which show was almost forced off the air because a giant soft drink company opposed a so-called rival’s use of the word sip? Now, discover the back stories and details of this special era from the people who created, lived, and enjoyed it—producers, on-air personalities, and fans.


About the Author
Ted Okuda Ted Okuda is a Chicago-based film historian whose previous books include The Columbia Comedy Shorts, The Jerry Lewis Films (coauthored with James L. Neibaur), The Monogram Checklist, and The Soundies Distributing Corporation of America (coauthored with Scott MacGillivray). His articles and interviews have appeared in a variety of media-themed publications, including Filmfax, Cult Movies, Classic Images, Outré, and Classic Film Collector. Jack Mulqueen Jack Mulqueen was born of Irish Catholic parents on the South Side of Chicago. John Mulqueen, father, was born in Kilrush Clare, Ireland. Marie, mother, (maiden name Calaghan) was born also on the South Side of Chicago near the steel mills. His father worked most of his life as a lab technician for the swift meat company and was known for his work in curing hams. However, Jack was always attracted to show business and loved movies. At every opportunity he would be entertaining the family, his sister, Maryann, friends and neighbors. His father soon realized Jack was one ham he couldn’t cure. By the time he reached High School, Chicago Vocational on the South Side, he was active in the glee club, school band, school paper, and produced and wrote a series of plays for the students. He got his first taste of TV, appearing on TV with fellow high school students from around Chicago interviewing Ross Hunter, producer of films that starred Doris Day and other stars. In college he had his own radio show weekly and produced a children TV special on WTHI, Terre Haute, IN, along with his fellow students. During the Korean War, the Army gave him the opportunity to broadcast his own show with fellow army pal, Herb Wills, a magician; A kid show three days a week on KKTV in Colorado Springs. After the Army, he appeared on WTTW-TV every Monday for a half-hour show, working his puppets and sponsored by the Chicago Park District. In the 50s and early 60s he made guest appearances, sponsored by Coca-Cola on WGN-TV with his wife as Pandora, producing kid commercials. This exposure launched them into their own show on April 13, 1963. The Mulqueens and Mulqueens' Kiddie-a-Go-Go ran for eight years over WGN-TV, WLS-TV, and WCIU-TV.


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